The team released a statement via Twitter that said in part: "The club appreciates his service, dedication and toughness."
That's a very nice sentiment, but it does not quite apply to the player I watched for the better part of nine seasons. Yes, Kelly produced solid sack seasons in 2010 and 2011. The only problem with that is that a defensive tackle is supposed to help a defense in its stoutness against the run.
By and large, Kelly was a sieve and often used as the pivot player upon which running plays were based. During his time with the Raiders, the defense never once finished better than 18th against the run, and that happened in the previous year, statistically Kelly's worst.
None of this is to say that Tommy Kelly is the singular blame for the Raiders' struggles on defense during his tenure. That would be patently false. But the problem is that while Kelly was never an elite player, he was paid like one.
Seven years, $50 million. Another big swing and miss by the late Al Davis to try to win quickly instead of planning for the long haul. Kelly's lack of play should not be devalued simply because he was overpaid, though. Oh no, he was also inconsistent, undisciplined and largely one-dimensional.
So Reggie McKenzie has purged yet another high-profile Al Davis player. Another appears destined to go as well in McClain. That is a formality of time and not circumstance. The most pressing player issue remains what to do with Carson Palmer.
While many continue to speculate about Palmer's future with the Raiders, few have actually asked the right ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
